Email Marketing Strategy Checklist

### 1. Permission & Legal Compliance - [ ] Explicit opt-in timestamp and source recorded in CRM for every subscriber. - [ ] No purchased, rented, co-registered, or scraped lists imported into the sending platform. - [ ] Valid physical mailing address or registered PO Box configured in email footer. - [ ] Functional single-click unsubscribe link tested and operating without login friction. - [ ] Clear privacy policy link present in all signup forms and footer layouts. ### 2. Domain Authentication & Technical Foundations - [ ] Custom sending subdomain established (e.g., mail.yourcompany.com). - [ ] SPF TXT record published with correct provider includes (< 10 DNS lookups). - [ ] DKIM 2048-bit key generated, published in DNS, and verified in sending platform. - [ ] DMARC record configured (starting at v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]). - [ ] Google Postmaster Tools and Microsoft SNDS accounts verified and monitored. ### 3. Audience Segmentation & CRM Taxonomy - [ ] Contact records tagged with Lifecycle Stage (Subscriber, Lead, MQL, Customer, Churned). - [ ] Dynamic exclusion segments configured to prevent promotional emails going to active support tickets. - [ ] Preference center established allowing subscribers to adjust email frequency. ### 4. Lifecycle Automated Workflows - [ ] Automated 4-part welcome sequence active and verified. - [ ] Lead magnet delivery trigger configured with zero latency (< 60 seconds). - [ ] 60-day sunset re-engagement sequence configured for dormant contacts. - [ ] Automated bounce handling configured to instantly suppress hard bounces. ### 5. Content, Copywriting & QA Protocol - [ ] Standardized subject line guidelines established (no deceptive Re: or Fwd: prefixes). - [ ] Plain-text fallback version generated and tested for every HTML broadcast. - [ ] Mobile rendering preview verified across iOS Mail, Gmail Android, and Outlook.